Fireworks safety tips

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It wouldn't be the Fourth of July without fireworks. Just take a few precautions before setting off your own fireworks to ensure the safety of you, your family and your neighborhood.

The first thing you should do is purchase fireworks from a stand or store with experts on-site.
 
"Wherever you purchase it from, if the people there can't tell you how much space you need to enjoy this, then go somewhere else,” said David Cherrone, Clay Territory Fire Marshal.
 
Always read and follow the instructions carefully.

"The number one thing is to read and follow the directions that are on the package. Don't try to be smarter or more creative than the people who created the device,” said Cherrone. "Most of the injuries that occur, occur because people are trying to do something different with the devices than what they were meant for."
 
Make sure you have plenty of space.
 
"Keep it well away from buildings. If it starts to rain, don't move these in the garage to fire off out the driveway. There's nothing saying they're not going to fall over or spin around or come back into the garage. Pick a safe place out in the yard,” said Cherrone.
 
Cherrone says it's important not to consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
 
"We always tell folks, pick one person that's going to be shooting them off. Everybody else that's going to be enjoying alcoholic beverages can be the ones watching,” said Cherrone.

Be cautious around children – even with sparklers.

"People think it's harmless, but it burns at twelve hundred degrees,” said Cherrone.

When and where you can set off fireworks is based on the county or city you live in.

The Fourth of July is an exception and you can celebrate with fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight.